Association against sexual assault applauds Operation HONOUR
Posted Aug 31, 2016 10:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
One local group that deals with sexual assault services is applauding the steps the Canadian Military is taking with Operation HONOUR.
On Tuesday, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance declared sexual harassment stops now.
30 individuals received career impacting disciplinary and/or administrative action.
Vance took over the reins of the military on Friday and made good on a promise to address the problem.
His own staff will also be attending a one-day seminar in Ottawa at the end of August.
“I’m just so encouraged by this, I’ve seen more positive change and positive movement around the issue of sexual assault and sexual abuse in the last two years than I have in the last twenty,” said Deb Tomlinson, CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. “There is a movement, I think it’s time, I think we are addressing this issue and when I hear about things like Operation HONOUR, I’m just thrilled.”
Tomlinson says she’s proud of the stance they’re taking.
“We can point fingers at the military and other institutions but I think we need to look across the board that sexual assault is a big problem, it’s been going on for a long time and it’s remained in the shadows. It’s coming out now and being addressed and I think we’re going to see some positive change after a very, very long time.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be a quick fix, it’s going to take time. We’re challenging a culture, rape culture, one that denies what a big problem this is.”
She says it’s these beliefs that are hard-held but she’s positive there’s hope for a future where sexual harassment and assault will be a lot less prevalent.
“And when it does happen, people are going to come forward and they’re going to get the help they need.”
